Choose from 198 Fun Things to Do in Paris
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Bois de Vincennes
Spread over an incredible 2,400 acres (that's around 3 times the size of New York's famous Central Park), the public park of Bois de Vincennes (Vicennes Wood) has been offering Parisians welcome respite from the urban bustle since the 12th century. Originally designed by Baron Haussman as a royal hunting ground for Louis VII, the collection of lakes and woodlands also form part of the grounds of the 14th-century Chateau de Vincennes.
Earning the nickname of the 'Lungs of Paris,' the park offers a seemingly endless stretch of greenery on the cusp of the city, with a vast network of walking, cycling and horseback riding trails spanning over 32km, as well as a number of attractions. Popular highlights include the Daumesnil Lake, where you can take a scenic boat trip out to the two islets; the Bois de Vicennes Buddist Temple, with its pretty wooden pavilion and towering Buddha statue; and the Lac des Minimes, where a footbridge leads out to the island restaurant. At the East End of the park, the idyllic Parc Floral is home to an impressive array of flowers and botanical gardens, with its central stage hosting summer plays and concerts; and the Parc Zoologique de Paris (Zoo de Vincennes) is a 38-acre enclosed zoo housing giraffes, giant pandas and monkeys among its sizable collection and featuring a large artificial hill that offers great views over the park.
Earning the nickname of the 'Lungs of Paris,' the park offers a seemingly endless stretch of greenery on the cusp of the city, with a vast network of walking, cycling and horseback riding trails spanning over 32km, as well as a number of attractions. Popular highlights include the Daumesnil Lake, where you can take a scenic boat trip out to the two islets; the Bois de Vicennes Buddist Temple, with its pretty wooden pavilion and towering Buddha statue; and the Lac des Minimes, where a footbridge leads out to the island restaurant. At the East End of the park, the idyllic Parc Floral is home to an impressive array of flowers and botanical gardens, with its central stage hosting summer plays and concerts; and the Parc Zoologique de Paris (Zoo de Vincennes) is a 38-acre enclosed zoo housing giraffes, giant pandas and monkeys among its sizable collection and featuring a large artificial hill that offers great views over the park.
Address: Bois de Vincennes, Paris, France
From $ 10
7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement of Paris is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and Napoleon’s tomb. Situated on the left bank of the River Seine, the 7th arrondissement is a charming mix of narrow cobblestone streets, bustling street markets, quaint cafés, and local shops.
The Basics
For first-time visitors, the 7th arrondissement is the perfect place to begin an exploration of Paris. Take a sightseeing tour to see the district’s highlights and enjoy a great introduction to Paris culture, history, and architecture. You’ll admire views of the Eiffel Tower, wander the Musée Rodin Sculpture Garden, discover quaint cobbled side streets, and sample traditional French foods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The 7th arrondissement is a must for first-time Paris visitors.
- Book a walking tour to see neighborhood highlights and hidden treasures.
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a lot of time walking.
- Book Eiffel Tower tickets and tours in advance to avoid long wait times.
How to Get There
It is easy to get to the 7th arrondissement using public transportation from anywhere in Paris. Metro lines 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13 service the arrondissement with stops including Bir-Hakeim (for the Eiffel Tower), Musée d'Orsay, and Varenne (for Les Invalides and Musée Rodin).
When to Get There
The 7th arrondissement is worth exploring any time of year. If visiting during the summer months, consider booking tours and museum admission tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. If you’re on a budget, you’ll find the best deals visiting November through February and also enjoy less tourist crowds, though with fewer services.
Shopping in the 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement boasts a vast array of shops, from small speciality stores and consignment shops to high-end boutiques and large department stores. Fashion enthusiasts must visit Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest and most prestigious department store. Showcasing the finest designer brands and gorgeous window displays, Le Bon Marché is like an art gallery for fashion lovers.
Address: 7th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 68
Basilica of St Denis
In a northern suburb of the City of Light, the Basilica of St Denis is a stone abbey dating back to the medieval time period. Construction began as early as 1135, so it’s a remarkable landmark to see still standing today. The cathedral was the first built in France in the Gothic architectural style, noted for its intricate stained glass and a statue collection representative of the era. It is attributed with signaling the shift from Romantic to Gothic styles of architecture. Though it is one of the lesser known churches of France, it is respected both for its beauty and historical and cultural significance.
The church is also the final resting place for much of France’s royalty. A walk past the burial chambers and tombs of kings and queens of France tells centuries of the country’s history. Long a place of pilgrimage, all but three of France’s monarchs from the 10th to 18th century were buried there. With all of its history, many opt to take a guided tour through the church or add it on to a day of sightseeing in Paris.
Practical Info
The basilica is located in the Saint Denis suburb of Paris, best approached by metro line 13 (the station is Basilique de Saint-Denis.) The travel time is about 20 minutes. Tickets cost 9€ and can be purchased in person or in advance online. The area dedicated to worship is free to enter.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Saint-Denis 93200, France
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4:45pm, Sun 12-4:45pm
Admission: 9€
From $ 10
Arc de Triomphe
An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, celebrates French military victories and remembers all those who have fought on behalf of France. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.
The Basics
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s well worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace at 164 feet (50 meters) to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, the Grande Arche de la Defense, and the tree-bordered Champs-Elysees, which leads all the way down to the Louvre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Use the pedestrian underpasses beneath Place Charles de Gaulle to reach the arch. Do not attempt to cross the roundabout—Paris’ busiest traffic circle—on foot.
- The viewing terrace is not wheelchair accessible. An elevator goes part way up the arch, but visitors must still climb 46 steps to access the top.
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to beat the crowds.
- Be sure to bring a camera to capture the Parisian skyline.
How to Get There
The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Elysees, about a 30-minute walk from Place de la Concorde at the famous avenue’s opposite end. Metro lines 1, 2, and 6, as well as the RER A line, all connect to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the nearest station.
When to Get There
Visibility is best during summer, when skies are most likely to be clear. The best views can be had at dusk, when the cream-stone cityscape appears to glow gold under the light of the setting sun. Sunset is, however, also the busiest time. To avoid the crowds, go earlier in the day.
See the Flame Lighting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Time your Arc de Triomphe visit for 6:30pm to witness the lighting of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The solemn ceremony takes place at the base of the monument, where an unidentified World War I soldier is buried.
Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, France
Hours: Open daily 10am - 10:30pm
Admission: €12 per adult
From $ 14
Army Museum (Musee de l'Armee)
Created in 1795 in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the Army Museum is fittingly located at Les Invalides in Paris, a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments relating to the military history of France. Its emblematic golden Dôme des Invalides has become one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks over time. The site was formerly used as a retirement home for war veterans, and is the resting home and burial site of France’s famous war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte – undeniably the museum’s most sought-after attraction.
The Army Museum contains some of the world's most prestigious old weapons and armour collections. It consists of seven main spaces and departments, with collections encompassing several eras, from antiquity through the 20th century: cannons, crown collections, swords, armors, works of art, artefacts from the feudal and royal armies, luxury weapons and privates' uniforms, including Napoleon’s iconic bicorne hat and most legendary portrait.
Practical Info
Musée de l'Armée is located in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, near Champs-de-Mars and the French National Assembly. It is easily accessible by public transit, with metro stops Varenne, la Tour-Maubourg, Invalides and École-Militaire within walking distance. The Army Museum opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. (November 1-March 31) or 6 p.m. (April 1-October 31). Entry costs €9.5 for adults and is free of charge for those under 18.
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 10 a.m-5 p.m. (Nov 1-March 31) or 6 p.m. (April 1-Oct 31)
Admission: Adults: €9.5, Children under 18 are free.
From $ 14
Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame
Hidden below one of the most admired attractions in Paris is the Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame Cathedral and a 262-foot (80-m) descent into the history of Paris' city center. The result of more than a hundred years of excavations, the crypt reveals the city's architectural layers, including ancient ruins from the Gallo-Roman town of Lutetia—the predecessor of present-day Paris. Follow one of two itineraries through the ruins to see 3rd-century homes, a 4th-century bathhouse, and the ancient port on the River Seine. Also inside the crypt are the remains of a two-story, 12th-century home, an 18th-century hospital, and shops built along the rue Neuve Notre Dame in the second half of the 12th century.
Multimedia exhibits inside the crypt guide visitors through centuries of historical development in Paris, making it a must-see for archaeology- and history-buffs. The crypt also contains an exhibit on the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral, and can be visited free of charge with the Paris Museum Pass.
Practical Info
The crypt is located under the square in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and is accessible by metro, train, and bus. Take metro line 4 to the Cite ou Saint-Michel stop, the RER train to the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stop, or buses 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, or 96. Audio guides in English, Spanish, and French are available for 5 euro. The crypt can be visited in 30-45 minutes. There are no toilets or coat-checks inside the crypt.
The crypt is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm. Admission costs 8 euros, but is free to visitors holding the Paris Museum Pass.
Address: 7 Parvis Notre Dame Pl., Paris, France
Hours: Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm
Admission: 8 EUR
From $ 95
6th Arrondissement
For many, the 6th Arrondissement is the quintessential Parisian neighborhood, complete with cafes, wine shops, patisseries, small art museums and shops lining its streets. Situated on the left bank of the Seine, the walkable neighborhood is home to the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Medici Fountain and the beautifully manicured Luxembourg Gardens.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres has long served as the literary and intellectual heart of the city, and some of Paris’s most iconic cafes are here, including Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp and Le Precope. Each make for a perfect people watching perch.
Practical Info
Access the 6th Arrondissement from Odeon, St. Germain, Solferino, Musee’ d’Orsay, rue du Bac and Sevres Babylone metro stations.
Address: 6th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 29
Berthillon
Paris is a city best explored with your taste buds, and nowhere is that more true that at Maison Berthillon, the city’s most famous ice cream and sorbet shop. The iconic luxury ice cream shop and tea room opened on Rue Saint Louis en l’Ile in 1954, and eager visitors have been queuing up outside ever since.
Visit on any given day (except during the summers when the shop is closed) and you’ll find 70-odd flavors of decadent ice creams and fruit sorbets, many that change with the season. The wild strawberry (fraises des bois) sorbet is particularly famous, as is the salted caramel (caramel au beurre sale) ice cream, but all are well worth the wait.
Practical Info
Pick up some ice cream from Berthillon to enjoy while walking on the quays and bridges of the Seine.
Address: 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, Paris 75004, France
Admission: Prices vary
From $ 51
Bastille
With its mixture of gourmet markets, cutting-edge drinking holes, and historic landmarks, Paris' Bastille neighborhood allows travelers to escape the city's bustling center and discover the "Parisian's Paris." Boutique and bohemian, Bastille buzzes with creativity, most evident in the shops and artist studios that populate its streets. The heart of the area is Place de la Bastille, the former home of the Bastille fortress, where traffic whirls at a roundabout topped by the 170-foot (52-meter) Colonne de Juillet.
The Basics
Due to its historical significance, the Bastille district is an integral part of many Paris city tours. Specialized excursions that focus solely on the Bastille arrondissement are also available, and one of the best ways to absorb the culture and French history is on a food tour that centers on the area's thriving culinary scene and markets. Feast on French delicacies and enjoy wine tasting at Marche d'Aligre market, browse shops selling charcuterie and cheese, and stroll along Promenade Plantee, a 19th-century rail viaduct transformed into the world's first elevated park. Other Bastille highlights include the Viaduc des Arts, a modern version of an old Paris viaduct, Port de l'Arsenal, and Opera Bastille, an innovative structure whose interior can be explored on a guided tour.
How to Get to Bastille
Bastille is easily reachable by car, train, or on foot from the center of Paris. The Bastille metro station is serviced by Line 5—it takes about 40 minutes to reach from central Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. If you're time-rich, walking to the Bastille district along the banks of the Seine River will reveal Paris' finer details. During the 90-minute stroll along Quai d'Orsay, you'll pass the famous Louvre museum pyramid, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a scattering of bridges and parks.
For a half-day hike, follow the Promenade Plantee on a 2.7-mile (4.5-km) trail to Bois de Vincennes, former royal hunting grounds home to the Parc Zoologique and Parc Floral de Paris.
The Basics
Due to its historical significance, the Bastille district is an integral part of many Paris city tours. Specialized excursions that focus solely on the Bastille arrondissement are also available, and one of the best ways to absorb the culture and French history is on a food tour that centers on the area's thriving culinary scene and markets. Feast on French delicacies and enjoy wine tasting at Marche d'Aligre market, browse shops selling charcuterie and cheese, and stroll along Promenade Plantee, a 19th-century rail viaduct transformed into the world's first elevated park. Other Bastille highlights include the Viaduc des Arts, a modern version of an old Paris viaduct, Port de l'Arsenal, and Opera Bastille, an innovative structure whose interior can be explored on a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Bastille tour is ideal for history and food lovers.
- The neighborhood is most often visited on half-day walking tours of Paris.
- Book a tour of Opera Bastille in advance to see the opera house's interior.
Bastille is easily reachable by car, train, or on foot from the center of Paris. The Bastille metro station is serviced by Line 5—it takes about 40 minutes to reach from central Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. If you're time-rich, walking to the Bastille district along the banks of the Seine River will reveal Paris' finer details. During the 90-minute stroll along Quai d'Orsay, you'll pass the famous Louvre museum pyramid, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a scattering of bridges and parks.
For a half-day hike, follow the Promenade Plantee on a 2.7-mile (4.5-km) trail to Bois de Vincennes, former royal hunting grounds home to the Parc Zoologique and Parc Floral de Paris.
When to Get There
At night, Bastille comes to life with an eclectic mix of swanky wine bars, raucous taverns, atmospheric jazz clubs, and cutting-edge cocktail bars. Begin your evening with fine French fare at an intimate bistro and end your night dancing among Parisians.
Address: Place de la Bastille, Paris, Ile-de-France 75004, France
Admission: Free
From $ 16
13th Arrondissement
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods, which are arranged in a clockwise spiral of ascending numbers from the 1st arrondissement in the center. Southeast of the city center along the left bank of the River Seine, the 13th arrondissement is best known as the home of Paris’s booming Asian Quarter or Quartier Asiatique.
The Basics
Less touristy than other parts of Paris, the 13th arrondissement has a rich Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese community and is a great place to find Asian restaurants and shops as well as one of the largest Chinese New Year Celebrations in Europe. The 13th district has also become something of an open-air museum, with dozens of massive works of street art, and several walking tours of the district highlight these urban pieces.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The 13th arrondissement is great for visitors wishing to explore off the beaten tourist path.
- Explore the lesser-known Butte aux Cailles neighborhood to view the area’s abundant street art.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking in this hilltop district.
How to Get There
The 13th arrondissement is easily accessible by public transportation. Metro lines 6, 7, and 14 make numerous stops throughout the neighborhood. Not far from the Latin Quarter, it’s a nice walk from central Paris along the River Seine to the 13th arrondissement.
When to Get There
The less-visited 13th arrondissement is wonderful to explore any time of year. The neighborhood is particularly lively during the Chinese New Year, in January or February, when the streets fill with brightly lit lanterns and colorful costume parades. The festival features plenty of children’s activities, traditional music performances, and authentic food.
The French National Library
The 13th arrondissement is also home to the massive French National Library. Comprised of four 25-story glass towers, the library houses one of the largest collections of books in the world with well over 10 million titles. The library also contains numerous historical texts including thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts, as well as antique ceramics, coins, sculptures, and King Louis XIV’s globes.
Address: 13th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 110
Bassin de la Villette (La Villette Basin)
Once a port for industry and trade, the Bassin de la Villette is now a Parisian hub for travelers looking to explore the arts and culture that make the City of Lights so unique. A popular youth hostel, three-star hotel, famous restaurants and plenty of live performance venues draw travelers to Bassin de la Villette, where it’s possible to escape the hustle of Paris streets and relax into the scenic waterway.
While this destination is worth a visit any time of year, the summer’s month-long Paris-Plage festival is among the best reasons to make a stop. Seaside banks become almost resort like as local rolls out deck chairs and floating wooden cafes pass by selling strong coffees and warm pastries. Public picnic areas and classic dance floors draw locals and tourists out of doors to pass summer nights swaying in the ocean breeze.
Practical Info
Bassin de la Villette is within walking distance of the Riquet and Laumiere Metro stops.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 23
9th Arrondissement
The 9th Arrondissement is located on the Right Bank in Paris and is home to a number of places of cultural, historical and architectural interest. It also boasts more hotels than any other arrondissement in Paris, so it can be a great area to base yourself to explore the city. Here you will find the Palais Garnier, which is home to the Paris Opera, as well as the Musee Grevin, a waxwork museum featuring more than 500 characters from French history. As you walk around the arrondissement, look for commemorative plaques outside of homes indicating notable landmarks. Be sure to check out the covered passageways near Boulevard Haussmann and rue Vivienne. Dating to the 19th century, these were precursors to the modern shopping mall.
The 9th Arrondissement is also home to several major department stores, including Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, both of which offer good skyline views of the city. In the young and vibrant South of Pigalle district, you can find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, and in Little Tokyo you can discover some of the best Japanese food in Paris.
Practical Info
The 9th Arrondissement covers less than one square mile. To get there, take Metro line 3, 7 or 8 to the Opera station; line 7 or 9 to the Chausette d’Antin La Fayette station or line 8 or 9 to the Grands Boulevards station.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
Au Lapin Agile
One of Paris’s most beloved cabarets, Au Lapin Agile has been delighting audiences in Montmartre for decades. The title translates to “The Nimble Rabbit” from French, originating from a painting of a rabbit jumping out of a hot frying pan. The small theater was once a hotspot for bohemian Parisian artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, Toulouse-Latrec, and Utrillo. Picasso helped to make the space famous with his 1905 painting of “At the Lapin Agile.”
The iconic pink cottage cabaret drew in some of Paris’s most eccentric characters, many of which carved their names into the original wooden tables that still remain today. Having opened in 1860, the Paris institution has long been a source of evening revelry, good food and drink, and French song and dance performance. It continues to be an authentic venue for all three today.
Practical Info
Au Lapin Agile is located at at 22 Rue des Saules in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the Sacre Couer Basilica. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 pm to 1 am, and is closed on Mondays. The €24 entry fee includes a glass of house wine. The nearest metro station is Lamarck-Caulaincourt.
Address: 22 Rue des Saules, Paris 75018, France
Admission: €24
From $ 18
Belleville
With its diverse mix of ethnicities and burgeoning art scene, Belleville has made a name for itself as one of Paris’ most fashionably eclectic districts, drawing a hip crowd of young locals, students and creative types. Integrated into Paris in 1860, Belleville started life as a hilltop village, famed for its lively guingettes and surrounding vineyards, and the vibrant neighborhood still retains much of its original character.
Today, Belleville is renowned for its sprawling Chinatown and abundance of international restaurants, quirky bars, independent art galleries and small music venues, while the hillside Belleville Park offers spectacular views over Paris. Additional landmarks include the churches of Saint Jean Baptiste de Belleville and Notre Dame de la Croix, the old aqueduct, the site of the old Belleville funicular and the birthplace of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.
Practical Info
Belleville is located between the 19th and 20th arrondissements in northeast Paris and is reachable by metro from the central sights.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 54
Beauvais-Till e Airport (BVA)
Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) opened in 1956 and is home to four budget airlines (Ryan Air, Wizz, Blue Air and Air Moldova) flying to and from 60 destinations in 21 countries throughout Europe—from Poland to Ireland—as well as North Africa. The airport has two terminals and handles nearly 4.5 million passengers each year.
Travelers can utilize transfer services to and from the airport with destinations such as Paris and Disneyland Paris. WiFi is available in both terminals, while most passenger facilities are in Terminal Two, including shops, restaurants, banks, currency change stations and ATMs.
Practical Info
Located in Tillé, 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Paris, Beauvais–Tillé Airport is accessible via car off the N1. TER Picardie runs a regular train service between Beauvais railway station and Paris Gard du Nord, taking about an hour and a half.
Address: Route de l’aéroport, Tillé, Beauvais, Picardy 60000, France
Hours: Daily 6am–11:15pm
From $ 24
8th Arrondissement
The 8th arrondissement (neighborhood), one of Paris’ 20 districts, is probably best known for the famous boulevard Champs-Élysées. With sidewalks lined by trees, high-end shops, and fashion boutiques, the boulevard is also home to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde, as well as the Élysée Palace (the official residence of the President of France). On one end of the Champs-Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, which offers sweeping views of the city from its top. On the other end of the Champs-Élysées is the Grand Palais, an historic building dedicated “to the glory of French art.” The Grand Palais is now a museum and an exhibition hall that is home to an impressive art collection. The 8th arrondissement is probably best known as a retail district, where posh shoppers come to sip a beverage at one of the area’s numerous cafes or restaurants, then browse name-brand boutiques like Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
Practical Info
Located on the right bank of the Seine river and centered around the Champs-Élysées, the 8th arrondissement is one of Paris's main business districts and employs more people than any other single neighborhood in the city.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 74
Basilique du Sacr e-Coeur
With its gigantic dome and snow-white facade gazing down over the city from the Butte de Montmartre (Montmartre Hill), the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—or Basilique du Sacré-Coeur—is one of Paris’ most magnificent monuments.
The Basics
There are several options for exploring the grand basilica. See it as part of a Paris city tour or on a walking tour of the atmospheric Montmartre neighborhood. You can also book a guided tour of the lavish interiors to see highlights such as the apse mosaic, the grand organ, and the crypt. Visitors can also climb the 234-step spiral staircase to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to the Basilica is free, but you’ll have to pay an admission fee to visit the Dome.
- There are no official guided tours of the Basilica as it is a place of silent prayer.
- There is a step-free entrance at the back of the Basilica, and the church is wheelchair accessible except for the dome and the crypt.
How to Get There
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is located on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre in the Montmartre district of Paris. To get there by metro, take line 2 to Anvers station, then walk up Montmartre hill or ride the funicular.
When to Get There
The Basilica is open daily all year round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. For budding photographers wanting to capture the views, the most flattering light happens just before sunset, although note that it can be busy at this time.
A Walking Tour of Montmartre
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is one of the most memorable sights of Montmartre, but the bohemian ‘village’ has plenty of other attractions. A walking tour means you can explore like a local, stopping by famous landmarks such as the Moulin Rouge and the Artists’ Square; follow in the footsteps of artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso; and explore the many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.
Address: Place du Parvis du Sacre-Coeur, 75018, France
Hours: Basilica open daily 6am – 10:30pm; dome open daily 8:30am – 8pm (May through September) and 9am – 5pm (October through April)
Admission: Free
From $ 13
58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant
Chef Alain Soulard serves up French cuisine on the first level of the Eiffel Tower at 58 Tour Eiffel, a name that references the height in meters of the restaurant's kitchen range from the ground. The2-story eatery features a modern interior design and is surrounded by glass windows so you can take in views of Paris and the tower's intricate metal architecture while you dine.
The Basics
Eating at 58 Tour Eiffel is one of the best ways to escape the tower's crowds and get more out of your visit. You can sit down and relax before or after heading up to the Eiffel Tower's second level or summit for the requisite look down on the city (which may require an additional ticket purchase). Make your lunch or dinner reservation directly with 58 Tour Eiffel, or take a tour that combines your meal with other Parisian experiences such as a Seine River cruise, a city tour, a show at the Moulin Rouge, or a trip to Versailles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The restaurant is not available for drinks only; you must have a full meal.
- Large bags are not permitted at the tower.
- The restaurant is accessible for guests with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Walking, taxi, and public transit are the best ways to reach the Eiffel Tower, located in the 7th arrondissement on the banks of the Seine. By public transport, head to the Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, or Ecole Militaire metro station or the Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel RER station. Upon arrival, if you have a booking, go to the restaurant welcome desk on the esplanade to receive a priority-access ticket for the elevator.
When to Get There
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. You may want to select one or the other based on the environment you're looking for—lunch is more casual and kid-friendly with light meals served in a picnic-style basket, known as a chic picnic, while dinner features a more sophisticated atmosphere and dishes.
Other Things to Do at the Eiffel Tower
It may seem that visiting the Eiffel Tower consists simply of riding up to the viewing platforms, taking photos, and heading back down. But this is far from the truth. In addition to 58 Tour Eiffel, on the first level is an immersive show and interactive exhibits. The second level features shops and Le Jules Verne by Alain Ducasse, and the summit is home to Gustave Eiffel's restored office and the Champagne Bar. Perhaps most interesting is the backstage tour, during which you can get a look at the 1889 machinery used to operate the tower’s lifts.
Address: 58 Tour Eiffel, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 54
Avenue des Champs-Elys ees
The Arc de Triomphe looks down upon the grand tree-lined boulevard that is Avenue des Champs-Elysées: one of Paris’ most memorable sights and one of the world’s most famous avenues. It’s not just the striking architecture that captivates visitors—the shopping street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine restaurants.
The Basics
No Paris sightseeing tour is complete without visiting Avenue des Champs-Elysées, and the best way to soak up the atmosphere is on foot. Opt for a guided small-group or private walking tour, admire the illuminations on an evening city excursion, or visit independently on a Paris hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Alternatively, discover Paris’ most beautiful boulevard on a bike or Segway tour, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, or from the passenger seat of a classic French 2CV car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—it takes at least 30 minutes to walk from one end of the boulevard to the other.
- Paris’ main tourist information center is located along the Champs-Elysées, close to the Arc de Triomphe.
- The Champs-Elysées is wheelchair accessible, as are many of the shops and restaurants along the boulevard.
How to Get There
Avenue des Champs-Elysées stretches 1.3 miles (2 km) through the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement, from the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle all the way to Place de la Concorde on the banks of the Seine River. Metro stations located along the Champs-Elysées include (from north to south) Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile (Line 1), George V (Line 1), Franklin Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9), Champs Elysees-Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13), and Concorde (lines 1, 8, and 12).
When to Get There
As one of Paris’ busiest thoroughfares, the Champs-Elysées attracts crowds at all hours. Shoppers wanting to dodge the crush are advised to avoid weekends and holidays, while those driving should stay away from the morning and evening rush hours. The most dazzling views are found after dark, when the boulevard is spectacularly illuminated.
The Champs-Elysées is also an integral part of Parisian celebrations, and some of the most memorable visits are timed to see the incredible Christmas light displays, the annual Bastille Day military parade, or the grand finish of the Tour de France.
Paris Monuments Along the Champs-Elysées
A great number of Paris highlights are located on and around the Champs-Elysées, starting with the imposing Arc de Triomphe. After taking in the views from the 19th-century monument, stroll past Charles De Gaulle’s statue, Grand Palais, and Petit Palais to Place de la Concorde, with its beautiful fountains and Egyptian obelisk. For an extended tour, continue through the idyllic Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) along the right bank of the Seine River until you reach the Louvre museum, Palais Royal, and the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine.
Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 13
Alma Bridge (Pont de l'Alma)
Pont de l’Alma is a Parisian bridge built in 1854 in commemoration of the Franco-British alliance’s victory over the Russian army during the Crimean War. The bridge underwent complete rebuilding in the 1970s in order to accommodate the rapidly increasing road and river traffic – only the statues were retained from the original structure. The arch bridge is now 42 meters large and 153 meters long, and links the right and left banks of the Seine River.
Pont de l’Alma offers splendid views of the Eiffel Tower and is often the go-to location for photographers wanting to capture Paris. What made the bridge a household name worldwide, however, is the role it played in Lady Diana’s death; indeed, she perished in a car crash at the entrance of the bridge’s tunnel in 1997. The Flame of Liberty at the bridge's north end has become an unofficial memorial to her memory.
Practical Info
Pont de l’Alma is located close to Palais de Tokyo and Quai de Branly in western Paris. It can be reached by metro via Pont de l’Alma and Alma-Marceau stations (lines RER C and 9). It is not advised to get to Pont de l’Alma house by car as parking is scarce and complicated.
Address: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 58